A NORTHUMBERLAND man caused unnecessary suffering to a horse by failing to seek treatment for its leg injury, a court heard.
Colin Holmes, 51, of Third Row, Linton, near Morpeth, appeared before South East Northumberland magistrates yesterday and pleaded guilty to two charges brought by the RSPCA.
The Bedlington court heard him admit causing unnecessary suffering to bay thoroughbred stallion Ricky between June 9 and 30 last year, by failing to seek veterinary treatment for the leg injury.
Holmes also admitted an offence of failing to observe a sufficient worming regime, between June 18 and 30, resulting in a high parasitic burden on the horse.
Both offences related to the period during which Holmes had the animal tethered on sand dunes at Newbiggin golf course, without water or shelter.
The court heard the animal was very lean and had a visible leg wound for which RSPCA inspectors advised Holmes to seek veterinary treatment.
However, he failed to seek treatment and the horse was eventually found to be lame.
The animal was signed over to the RSPCA and later destroyed.
In Holmes’ defence, the court heard he had bought the animal with the injury.
He had decided to delay seeking treatment to see if the wound improved, which the defendant admitted had been a mistake.
Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing and Holmes was given unconditional bail to return on March 31, when the RSPCA will ask that he be banned from keeping animals.
